Paralegals look outward for assistance

  • Published
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  A viable option for Airmen interesting in retraining is paralegal, a career field that puts them in the court room assisting Air Force attorneys.

Responsibilities of a paralegal include military justice, court reporting, administrative boards reporting, accident and collateral investigations, depositions, and other legal proceedings.

"Being a paralegal is rewarding for individuals looking for a career that gives them independence in their work, personal growth and most importantly a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day," said Tech. Sgt Carrie Lewis, Air Force Flight Test Center paralegal Noncommissioned Officer in Charge. "If this is what you're looking for, then becoming a paralegal may be right for you."

The primary mission of a paralegal is to assist attorneys in providing legal support and counsel to commanders, first sergeants, and other key personnel, on a broad spectrum of matters.

Interested Airmen can apply for retraining through the personnel section. To view the retraining advisory online, log into the vMPF and click the "request retraining" link.

Retraining into this career field is open to all Airmen who fit the following criteria: 

· Able to type 25 words per minute 

· Have a minimum general aptitude score of 51 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery

· No convictions by courts-martial, Article 15s, or civilian court.

All applicants must also write a biography and be interviewed by base legal office leadership.

If selected for retraining, Airmen will attend the Paralegal Apprentice Course for six weeks at the Judge Advocate General School at Maxwell Gunter Air Force Base, Ala.

While at technical training , Airmen will learn to perform basic skills required to work at a base legal office such as preparing and processing claims, interviewing techniques and knowledge of legal procedures concerning military courts and boards, legal terminology and interpretations, research and use of legal publications, civil law matters and office management.

"In order to ensure paralegals are qualified to support the countless legal areas and issues, after graduation from the Apprentice Course, the paralegal's training continues throughout their career," said Sergeant Lewis.

Before being awarded a 7-skill level, all paralegals must return to the Judge Advocate General School and attend the Paralegal Craftsman Course, which is also six weeks long. Afterward, paralegals have the opportunity to attend attorney-level specialized courses in operations, environmental, and contract law. They also have the opportunity to attend attorney-level courses hosted by other branches of the military.

"There are many training opportunities available," said Sergeant Lewis. "The Community College of the Air Force Associate Degree Program and the American Bar Association now offer certification for paralegals upon completion of their CCAF degrees.

Sergeant Lewis said the career field sets Airmen up for success even beyond their time in the service.

"Upon retirement or separation from the Air Force, the ABA certification qualifies a military paralegal to continue to work as a paralegal in a civilian law firm," she added.

For more information, call 277-4310.